Daring to Make a Difference

Daring to Make a

Difference Educators uncovered a hidden achievement gap among Hmong students in our region. Learn about their grassroots effort to create a dramatically different school to meet the needs of this underserved population.

Yav Pem Suab Academy (Ya Bay Shooa)

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Yav Pem Suab Academy has gone above and beyond to create a future in which all children can meet their potential.

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DID YOU KNOW eans Yav Pem Suab m .” re “The futu

Charting a

The Yav Pem Suab story

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n the Hmong language, yav pem suab means “the future,” but in Sacramento, there was a time when the academic future of Hmong students was dim.

Nearly a decade ago, Sacramento educators uncovered an achievement gap among Hmong students, and a group of innovators set out in search of a solution.

After years of hard work, Yav Pem Suab Academy — a public charter school serving scholars in kindergarten through sixth grade — has gone above and beyond to create a future in which all children can meet their potential.

Vince Xiong, founding principal of Yav Pem Suab Academy (pronounced Ya Bay Shooa), was on the task force that identified the academic struggles of Hmong students in Sacramento City Unified School District. For years, Hmong students’ academic data were grouped with all other Asian students. When the task force separated the data, the achievement gap was revealed.

“We’ve crossed the ocean to get here,” Xiong says, noting the struggles Hmong people have faced to get where they are today. After the Vietnam War, many Hmong people moved from Thailand’s refugee camps

New Course

by Kate Gonzales

to the United States, where they’ve faced cultural and educational barriers. If the community could invest in the future generations of Hmong students, why wouldn’t they?

In 2005, Xiong founded a nonprofit to promote Hmong student achievement. Dr. Dennis Mah, a former principal who founded two other Sacramento charter schools, spoke to Xiong and others about the promise of charters.

“He came in and talked about education, and that one sure way to achieve the American dream is through education,” Xiong remembers. “So that put a spark in our interest.”

The group began to envision their dream charter school, inspired by the idea that they could design a unique school system. They built parent interest and community support through forums, radio interviews and door-to-door outreach, and wrote a charter to outline the proposed elementary school’s priorities and techniques. Those techniques included Body-Brain Compatible Education (which promotes hands-on learning), a longer school year and Hmong language development.

Sacramento City Unified School District approved the charter and, in 2010, Yav Pem Suab Academy (YPSA) opened its doors to 171 scholars on the first day of school.

Xiong had personally enrolled 89 of those children at their homes.

In the academy’s first year, scholars had an average score of 556 on the California State Standards Test. The state’s goal for every school is a score of 800, and the two years following YPSA scholars reached that goal.

Today, YPSA serves 420 scholars in kindergarten through sixth grade. The founders formed Urban Charter Schools Collective, the nonprofit that oversees Yav Pem Suab Academy, to create a community of innovative charter schools. While YPSA is the collective’s sole charter school, Mah, board treasurer for the collective, says they plan to build a middle school as need grows.

First, they wanted to demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach.

“That was important, to show that community members could make it work — make it work for the kids who were the lowest-achieving in Sac City,” Mah says.

Discover the difference of Yav Pem Suab Academy What is Yav Pem Suab Academy (YPSA)?

Yav Pem Suab (pronounced Ya Bay Shooa) Academy is a free public charter school that addresses the unique educational needs of Hmong students and other traditionally disenfranchised students in Sacramento. The name means “the future,” and the school has produced wellrounded scholars since 2010.

Who does YPSA serve?

YPSA serves scholars in kindergarten through sixth grade.

While the school emphasizes academic excellence among Hmong scholars, children from all backgrounds are welcome. In the 2015-16 school year, 420 scholars were enrolled at YPSA.

What makes the academy unique?

What is Urban Charter Schools Collective?

YPSA features Hmong language development and cultural studies for all scholars. The school utilizes the Body-Brain Compatible Education approach to mastery, which features hands-on learning and movement. Academy educators believe learning is an inseparable partnership between body and brain.

Urban Charter Schools Collective is the nonprofit that oversees Yav Pem Suab Academy. The collective’s founders envision a community of charter schools that enhance educational opportunities for all scholars.

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How can I reach YPSA? ●

Online: www.ypsacharter.org

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By phone: 916-433-5057

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On campus: 7555 S. Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95831

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

PHOTO BY MELISSA UROFF

“What’s good for every kid is good for Hmong kids.”

Lee Yang Superintendent, Urban Charter Schools Collective

At YPSA, a high value is placed on movement and multicultural experiences.

Above: Scholars perform a dance for parents. Right: A dancer with Yeej Huam Dance Academy performs during the YPSA Multicultural Day.

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Embracing Diversity, Promoting Excellence All are welcome at YPSA

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t Yav Pem Suab Academy, educators know that scholars learn best when they are free to be themselves and embrace their heritage.

While the academy and its umbrella nonprofit, Urban Charter Schools Collective, were founded to address the achievement gap among Sacramento’s Hmong learners, children from all backgrounds are invited to experience this powerful model of education.

The tools and approach the school uses to boost Hmong achievement have a positive impact on all underserved students.

“What’s good for every kid is good for Hmong kids,” says Lee Yang, superintendent of Urban Charter Schools Collective. “It’s just good teaching.”

In the 2015-16 school year, 64 percent of YPSA scholars were of Hmong descent. The Hmong people originate from a mountainous region that straddles Laos, Vietnam, China and Thailand. During the Laotian Civil War, the CIA secretly recruited Hmong soldiers to fight the North Vietnamese Army. After the war, many Hmong fled Laos and settled in Thailand’s refugee camps. The transition was not easy, as Yang knows. He was a young boy when his family settled in Stockton and says it was hard to navigate a new culture, language and customs.

“My survival English phrase that first day was taught to me by my uncle: I don’t know,” Yang remembers.

Some Hmong students face academic barriers due to low levels of literacy, cultural values of humility

by Kate Gonzales and communication gaps between children and parents, and their schools. Yav Pem Suab Academy works to reduce those barriers for all scholars, and Yang’s experience has made him an accommodating superintendent.

“Going through all that, now I have different perspectives when I work with children, especially children who don’t speak English or are just new to the school,” he says.

Scholars gain confidence in the required Hmong language courses, where they learn to read, write and speak in Hmong. The school weaves in sign language and hand symbols to encourage movement and further instill lessons.

They also practice Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS, two programs developed by Susan Kovalik that encourage scholars to display values like cooperation, trustworthiness and personal best.

One of the most important aspects of Yav Pem Suab Academy is that it is a school that celebrates diversity and honors the background of every scholar. In May, the school hosted Multicultural Day — a Saturday event with food, dancing, performances and traditional outfits. The campus hosts special celebrations for Chinese New Year, Black History Month and more.

“Every single cultural event that we have here, the message is still the same,” says Principal Vince Xiong.

“Have integrity and have pride in who you are.”

DID YOU KNOW

e American The Hmong wer etnam war.

Vi e th allies during

Global learning, local significance Did you know that the Sacramento region is home to the third-largest urban concentration of Hmong immigrants and descendents in the nation? For that reason, Yav Pem Suab Academy believes it’s important for children to have a wider understanding of the language and culture.

Every one of the academy’s scholars learns the language, history and cultural heritage of Hmong people through the school’s Hmong Language Development Program. In the long run, scholars gain a leg up in the job market, as there is a need for people who can communicate in Hmong in the education, health care, service provider and other fields.

Each scholar is tested and, based on ability, placed in beginning, intermediate or advanced Hmong Language Development courses.

Beginning-level scholars practice learning sounds and patterns in the language, so it becomes easier for them to learn Hmong and other languages in the future.

Intermediate scholars build on some existing understanding of Hmong language, and staff work to develop pride and self-confidence.

Advanced scholars speak and receive Common Core instruction almost completely in Hmong.

While a quarter of students are not Hmong, YPSA’s program ensures every child gains an appreciation of the Hmong culture and our region’s diversity.

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Meet the Scholars “Every Sunday she can’t wait until it’s Monday ... She loves going to school.”

Lena Fang Parent of YPSA third-grader Faith Xiong

Third-grader Faith Xiong enjoys reading, writing and hip-hop dance classes at Yav Pem Suab Academy. She often helps other scholars with their work, as well.

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

Scholar Goes Above and Beyond

by Kate Gonzales

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hird-grader Faith Xiong loves to read, write and hip-hop dance. At Yav Pem Suab Academy, she has had the opportunity to flourish in all these areas. And when there is time left over after her work is done, she offers support to her fellow scholars.

“This school has a lot of programs for the kids to learn and grow,” says Faith’s mother, Lena Fang. She says unique enrichment courses like taekwondo and dance, as well as the school’s required Hmong language classes, stood out when it was time for Fang to select a school for her daughter.

“I never had that when I was her age,” Fang says.

Since kindergarten, Faith has attended Yav Pem Suab Academy, where she has excelled in

math, reading and writing. Her teacher, Pa Foua Yang, says Faith is a strong writer, whether it’s a narrative or opinion piece. She adds that Faith is a role model who goes above and beyond.

“She takes initiative in her own learning,” Yang says. “She always wants to challenge herself.”

The school emphasizes the practice of LIFESKILLS, which include caring and cooperation. Faith lives up to these values, and once she completes her work in the classroom, she is eager to help others.

“She not only talks about it but she displays those LIFESKILLS as well,” Yang says.

Faith loves the hip-hop dance class, and thanks to the great programs at Yav Pem Suab Academy, she looks forward to school each week.

“Every Sunday she can’t wait until it’s Monday,” Fang says. “She loves going to school.”

Support for the Whole Child

by Anna Quinlan

K

eelie Brazell knew she wanted a different educational experience for her daughter, Madison. Brazell’s oldest son, now 21, had dropped out of high school following a years long struggle to find the right fit in public school, and she wanted a better outcome for her daughter.

Madison was enrolled at Yav Pem Suab Academy when she was in second grade; three years later, she and her mother haven’t looked back once.

Madison recently gave a speech — in both English and Hmong — at a televised school district meeting regarding YPSA’s charter renewal.

“It’s really just within the last two years or so that she’s shown an interest in thinking about what she wants to be when she grows up,” Brazell says, adding that Madison has shown a lot of interest and aptitude for creative writing during her time at YPSA. The fifth-grader has also gotten involved with the Anbu Dance Company, a local dance school that

teaches classes at the school and allows scholars the chance to perform on stage at events such as YPSA’s Multicultural Day. “A couple years ago she would have never gotten up in front of a group to perform,” Brazell says. “[The dance classes] really help children who are shy. It builds up their self-esteem.”

The diversity among scholars and families has also had a positive impact.

“My children are getting a broader view of other cultures,” Brazell says, adding that she notices a high level of parent involvement at YPSA. Brazell credits the small class sizes and focus on being a productive citizen with the transformation she’s seen in her daughter. “[Teachers] are so supportive and never judgmental,” she says. “They’re really focused on creating all-around good people and teaching the students life skills.”

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Fifth-grader Madison Brazell gained selfconfidence through the performance opportunities at YPSA and has thrived since she first attended the school in second grade.

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

“[Teachers] are so supportive and never judgmental.”

Keelie Brazell Parent of YPSA fifth-grader Madison Brazell

of YPSA Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders

by Kate Gonzales

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“They give you courage and they help you when you’re down.”

Jacob Saechao Sixth-grader at YPSA

Jacob Saechao found the confidence to blossom into a leader at YPSA. PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

elissa Saechao never imagined her son, Jacob, would run for president.

“He did this year and he won, and he’s been doing an amazing job at it,” she says proudly.

Jacob, a sixth-grade scholar at Yav Pem Suab Academy, was elected president of Tiger Society, the school’s student senate, for the 2015-16 school year.

He ran to give back to the school he loves so much.

He has attended YPSA since he was in third grade and enjoys the school because of the supportive teachers.

“They give you courage and they help you when you’re down,” he says.

Jacob has also learned things traditional public schools do not offer — like Hmong language and culture. Saechao says her son has more confidence and leadership skills, and she likes that he’s getting an expanded worldview.

“You never know someone’s background until you’ve actually learned about it,” she says. “As he’s

A School Kids Love

by Anna Quinlan

W

hen Sisay Gebrehiwot moved his family from Ethiopia to the U.S. seven years ago, he hoped to give them a better life with more opportunities. When a friend recommended Yav Pem Suab Academy, he scheduled a visit. He hoped the school, with its smaller class sizes, would offer the individualized attention that he desired for his three children. He was immediately impressed.

Gebrehiwot’s daughter, Anna Tesfay, is in fifth grade and has experienced a total transformation in her attitude toward school since starting at YPSA. “She likes everything,” says her father. “She wants to study more and she has higher morale. If she doesn’t know how to complete an assignment she’ll tell me, ‘Take me to the library,’ so she can figure it our herself. She’s very independent now.”

She is especially interested in science and hopes to be a doctor when she grows up, “so she

can help people,” says her dad. She’s also taken an interest in the taekwondo classes that YPSA offers and raves about the educational field trips. Her parents are also continually impressed with her linguistic acumen as she studies Hmong as part of the school’s diverse curriculum.

Gebrehiwot credits the teachers’ willingness to work with families and students according to their unique strengths and concerns as the most valuable distinction of YPSA’s educational program.

“The principal is a true leader, a guider,” Gebrehiwot says. “He sees everybody as equal. My kids are learning with everyone, and that is a great start. When they grow up they’ll understand that everyone is equal and must work together.”

older, the more languages you know for any job it’s always better.”

Some of Jacob’s favorite aspects of the school include science, the emphasis on movement and taekwondo. As a scholar in the academy’s accelerated taekwondo program, he helps other students learn the martial art. He’ll soon take the test to earn his yellow belt.

In previous years, Jacob was also a member of the academy’s competitive Anbu dance team, which Saechao says emphasized teamwork and cooperation. But this year, he’s focused on the presidency.

Saechao says she really saw her son’s confidence come out when he made his stump speech to the student body. He performed a dance and was the only candidate who memorized his speech.

“It set him apart a little bit,” she says. “It was pretty awesome.”

“My kids are learning with everyone ... When they grow up they’ll understand that everyone is equal and must work together.”

Sisay Gebrehiwot Parent of YPSA fifth-grader Anna Tesfay

Anna Tesfay has become an engaged and enthusiastic scholar at YPSA. She loves science and plans to become a doctor.

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

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A Community of Choice for Charter schools authorized by SCUSD:

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California Charter Schools Explained When California lawmakers passed the Charter Schools Act of 1992, it paved the way for parents and educators to have more input and choices in the way schools are designed and how they teach children.

These schools can be powerful agents of change and improvements

in education, particularly for students who have traditionally been low-performing (as measured here by the Unduplicated Pupil Percentage, or UPP). The UPP is the percentage of students who are eligible for free/reduced school meals, are English learners, and/ or foster youth. SCUSD’s UPP is 71.88%. The UPP is typically higher

in charter schools, due to the legislative intent that calls for: ●

Improving pupil learning

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Increasing learning opportunities for all pupils — particularly those identified as low-achieving academically

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Encouraging innovative teaching methods

6 | Yav Pem Suab Academy | A member of Urban Charter Schools Collective | A Special Advertising Supplement

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Creating new opportunities for teachers, including responsibility over the school’s learning program

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Providing more educational choices for students

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Holding charter schools accountable for meeting measurable student outcomes,

and provide schools with a method to change from rulebased to performance-based accountability systems ●

Promoting rigorous competition within the public school system to stimulate continual improvements in all public schools

Fostering Excellence Independent charter schools

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St. HOPE Public School 7 (K-8) 5201 Strawberry Lane Sacramento, CA 95820

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916-649-7850

3

2

Oak Park Preparatory Academy (7-8) 2315 34th St. Sacramento, CA 95817

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916-649-7880

UPP

16

UPP

3

UPP

4

Sacramento Charter High School (9-12)

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2315 34th St. Sacramento, CA 95817

3

6620 Gloria Drive Sacramento, CA 95831

carverartsandscience.org UPP

63%

Yav Pem Suab Academy

4

7555 S. Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95831

49%

New Joseph Bonnheim Community Charter

916-433-5057

sachigh.org

ypsacharter.org

916-277-6294

85%

scusd.edu/school/new-joseph -bonnheim-community-charter

73%

UPP

The Language Academy of Sacramento 2850 49th St. Sacramento, CA 95817

UPP

9

Capitol Collegiate Academy 2118 Meadowview Road Sacramento, CA 95832

5

916-476-5796

UPP

80%

94%

Sacramento New Technology High School

capitolcollegiate.org

1400 Dickson St. Sacramento, CA 95822

87%

916-395-5254 sacnewtech.org

Aspire Capitol Heights Academy

Dependent charter schools

2520 33rd St. Sacramento, CA 95817

1

916-739-8520 aspirepublicschools.org/schools/ regions/california-schools/ aspire-capitol-heights-academy UPP

10101 Systems Parkway Sacramento, CA 95827 916-395-5266

UPP

Some charter schools not listed here operate within SCUSD and are authorized by the Sacramento County Office of Education, such as the schools under the Fortune School of Education.

George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science

916-277-6200

lasac.info

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85%

7300 Marin Ave. Sacramento, CA 95820

916-277-7137

UPP

Sol Aureus College (SAC) Preparatory

sacprep.org

85%

4211 Turnbridge Drive Sacramento, CA 95823

bowlinggreenmccoy.scusd.edu UPP

25%

916-421-0600

oakparkprep.org

Bowling Green Charter McCoy Academy

916-433-5426

cap.cacmp.org

83% UPP

Rosemont

2635 Chestnut Hill Drive Sacramento, CA 95826

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916-325-0910

ps7.org UPP

California Montessori Project, Capitol Campus

87%

Bowling Green Charter Chacon Language & Science Academy 6807 Franklin Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95823

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UPP

Met Sacramento High School 810 V St. Sacramento, CA 95818 916-264-4700

916-433-7321 chacon.scusd.edu

71%

metsacramento.org UPP

54%

85%

Legend

Contact

Website

UPP

UPP Score The percentage of students who are eligible for free/reduced school meals, are English learners, and/or foster youth

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IPAD LEARNING

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DID YOU KNOW

nces the brain’s Movement enha by supplying ar capacity to le n the brain. At more ox ygen to e involved in YPSA , scholars ar d movement an daily brain-gym e, PE and classes like danc crease their taek wondo to in capacity. ng brains’ learni

Learning

Beyond the Book

by Kate Gonzales

MORNING MOVEMENT

YPSA has tools to provide high-quality education

t Yav Pem Suab Academy, there are no limits on scholars’ potential to achieve great things.

Scholars are encouraged to dream big and to put in the hard work it takes to achieve their goals. The founders and educators at Yav Pem Suab Academy believe any child can thrive in a strong educational environment. Here are some features unique to Yav Pem Suab Academy that makes it a wonderful place to grow and learn.

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Hmong Language Development Program

Technology

Scholars do not have to be of Hmong descent to enroll at YPSA, but all pupils will learn Hmong language and culture. Hmong scholars will develop a sense of understanding and pride in their heritage, while their non-Hmong peers forge new relationships and gain a deeper appreciation for diversity. Every scholar also learns how to read, write and speak Hmong through the Hmong Language Development Program.

At YPSA, there is a laptop or tablet available to every scholar, every day. Scholars in kindergarten through second grade use an iPad, and third- through sixth-grade scholars use laptops.

Body-Brain Compatible Education

Lifelong Guidelines & LIFESKILLS

This educational approach promotes mastery in teaching and learning, and emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning. Scholars begin each day with morning movement, when they stretch and dance together with classmates and teachers. They also take movement breaks after about 20 minutes of instruction, to keep their minds present and engaged. Each scholar also has daily taekwondo, dance and physical education classes. Key components of Body-Brain Compatible Education include an absence of threat and an enriching environment, so the school works to create a safe, uncluttered and organized atmosphere.

HMONG LANGUAGE LESSONS

The academy strives to build confident, wellrounded citizens, so every day scholars practice and are recognized for meeting Lifelong Guidelines and gaining LIFESKILLS. The five guidelines are: Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Active Listening, No Put-Downs and Personal Best. The LIFESKILLS fall under the personal best guideline, and include Caring, Cooperation, Flexibility, Friendship, Perseverance, Pride and Sense of Humor, among others. Each month, the school focuses on a specific LIFESKILL, but scholars are encouraged to practice them at every opportunity and are recognized with a “good job” or a high-five.

Extended day Scholars get more time to learn thanks to a longer daily schedule, which is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for kindergartners and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all others. Most students get Fridays off, except for those who need more targeted instruction, which is held for an hour on Fridays. This scheduling adds up to 100 more days of school per year compared to other district elementary schools and reduces the summer break in order to prevent kids from forgetting what they learned through the year.

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20:1 SCHOLAR-TO-TEACHER RATIO

Small class sizes Every classroom at the academy, from kindergarten to sixth grade, has a 20:1 scholar-to-teacher ratio. The smaller class sizes make it easier for teachers to build stronger one-on-one relationships with scholars.

Being there experiences YPSA invests heavily in learning trips, or “being there experiences,” which take scholars and the lessons they’re learning out of the classroom. Experiences include panning for gold along the American River in Coloma and feeling the sensation of zero gravity at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in the Bay Area.

LIFESKILLS: EFFORT

When it comes to educating Sacramento’s underserved children, Yav Pem Suab Academy settles for nothing less than extraordinary. The school’s scholars have the chance to engage in rich experiences that bring learning to life.

At Yav Pem Suab, children get more.

More ...

HANDS-ON

MOVEMENT

BEING THERE

LIFESKILLS: FRIENDSHIP

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Teachers With a

Mission

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DID YOU KNOW

culum around YPSA built a curri approaches to research-based cio Sanchez’s ra education. Ho n oach to Educatio Brain-Based Appr in ra -B dy Bo ’s lik and Susan Kova ation Model are uc Ed le tib pa m Co ogram. parts of YPSA’s pr

YPSA educators go above and beyond to help scholars achieve

by Mark Lore

T

“It challenges creativity and curriculum-building. I’m still he secret behind the success of Yav Pem Suab Academy moving and growing,” says Mailee Thao, who’s in her second may very well lie in the passion and heart that its year teaching fifth grade at YPSA. teachers pour into their work.

In addition to focusing on children’s learning strengths Michelle Lee is one of those dedicated educators. She’s (and faculty teaching strengths), YPSA puts a strong emphasis in her sixth year of teaching kindergarten at YPSA, where on creating a positive and safe learning environment that’s she says scholars are nurtured to become “high-performing” built on trust. individuals. That means not only learning through academic Thao recalls a situation during her first year where a lessons, but essential life lessons as well. In turn, teachers at scholar with autism would sometimes leave class as a coping YPSA create their own curriculum that encourages creativity mechanism.

She explained that the other scholars and collaboration in the teaching process. accepted and nurtured him, rather than teasing It’s a win-win for both scholars and teachers. him or ignoring him. It was touching But perhaps more importantly, YPSA gives to Thao, and it was a case where the scholars a better chance for success, scholars actually helped her through a with a particular emphasis on closing challenging situation. the achievement gap among Hmong “I was like, ‘You guys are children. comforting me!

You’re incredible,’” Lee says she was drawn to teach Thao says.

“I can see that at this at YPSA because of its emphasis on school there’s a culture that’s been supporting this underserved group, established.

It’s not just: go to in addition to the rich program of school and go home.” holistic educational and enrichment opportunities.

YPSA’s enrichment program Mailee Thao provides many of the offerings that are Fifth-grade teacher at YPSA increasingly hard to find in traditional public schools — things like dance, field trips and even taekwondo for every scholar.

These types of programs may seem disposable when budgets are tight, but Lee asserts that to some scholars they’re just as important as math, reading and history.

“Any educator, experienced or not, knows that children do not all learn in the same way,” she says. “Children need various and numerous ways to integrate and use their ‘smarts,’ and the enrichment program seemed like a great way to showcase all that.”

Collaboration plays a big part in scholar-teacher success.

One hour a day is built into the schedule for teacher collaboration. It’s a time where teachers can not only share tricks that might help scholars in certain learning areas, but teachers can also plan lessons together and collect and analyze data that help determine which methods work, and Michelle Lee (top right) and Mailee Thao (bottom right) are just two of the talented educators who help make YPSA an exceptional place. which ones don’t.

Photo by anne stokes

“At this school there’s a culture that’s been established. It’s not just: go to school and go home.”

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A great place to grow Yav Pem Suab Academy is not just a great place to learn, it’s also a wonderful workplace! If you’re an educator who wants to make a real difference in children’s lives, the academy may be the best place for you.

Here are some of the benefits of working at YPSA: Strong morale Be part of a caring, cooperative team that feels a lot like family.

Support Mentors help new teachers familiarize themselves with the academy. Teachers also have three hours each day for grade-level support, when they can prep materials and collaborate.

Skill development Develop useful skills and knowledge around Body-Brain Compatible Education and other innovative approaches in education.

Make an impact YPSA offers opportunities to hone your leadership skills and gain meaningful professional development, and work at a school that truly wants to see all scholars excel.

Find out if a career at Yav Pem Suab Academy is right for you! ●●

Learn: www.ypsacharter.org

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Call: 916-433-5057

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Visit: 7555 S. Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95831

PHOTOS COURTESY YAV PEM SUAB ACADEMY

YAV PEM SUAB ACADEMY COUNCIL

Celebrating Staff At Yav Pem Suab Academy, our star staff make a real impact in scholars’ lives. We value each member of our caring, supportive staff.

ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT STAFF

YPSA YARD STAFF, CUSTODIAL STAFF AND KITCHEN MANAGER

YPSA TEACHER OF THE YEAR, CLAUDIA SHERRY, WITH SCHOLAR CODY XIONG AND HIS MOTHER, ZIA VUE.

MEMBERS OF THE YPSA INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

URBAN CHARTER SCHOOLS COLLECTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS A Special Advertising Supplement | www.ypsacharter.org | 11

Connect with YPSA Strong connections to culture, community and heritage are at the heart of Yav Pem Suab Academy’s values. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent or a community member who wants to partner with the academy, there is a way for you to connect!

Contact YPSA 7555 South Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95831 916-433-5057

Enroll your child

www.ypsacharter.org

The academy serves scholars in grades kindergarten through six. The school has robust academic offerings, including Hmong language, taekwondo and more.

As a public charter school, there is no fee for admission, but space is limited. Visit the school today to start the enrollment process. Bring a birth certificate or green card, proof of address, parent identification and child’s immunization records.

www.facebook.com/yavpemsuabacademy @YavPemSuab

Why charter schools?

Visit the school’s office at 7555 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the staff There are lots of reasons Yav Pem Suab Academy is a great place for educators to work, and to grow. If you’re a teacher who wants to work in a fun, enriching environment where everyone is encouraged to reach new heights, YPSA may be the school for you.

View current openings: www.urbancsc.org/employment.html.

Partner up Want to help YPSA make a positive impact in children’s lives? Connect with the academy today to discuss potential partnership opportunities.

For more information about partnerships, call 916-433-5057.

“Charter schools serve as a choice for students and families, and in many cases students from traditionally underserved backgrounds have thrived at the charter schools serving the Sacramento area.”

Jim Scheible Region 3 Member Council representative, California Charter Schools Association

“Charter schools are among the most recent positive, innovative educational movements for young scholars of our time. I believe they continue to innovate and replicate best practices. Because of their fluidity and often local controls, charter schools allow stakeholders to move on proven successes and changes for the betterment of all students in an expeditious manner.”

Miles Myles Board president, Urban Charter Schools Collective

“Charter schools are a good option for raising student achievement because they define achievement broadly to include academic, life, and other meaningful components and build deep connections with students and families to engage high achievement.”

Eric Premack Executive director, Charter Schools Development Center

Produced for Urban Charter Schools Collective by N&R Publications, www.nrpubs.com

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